Why doesn't the Army have a fun birthday like the Marine Corps?

SSG Carlos Madden — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 10:43:16 -0400

The USMC makes a big deal of their birthday. Even people who aren't in the Marines know when the ball is coming up because it's something they hype up and Marines look forward to. They take pride it in. Whereas tomorrow, June 14th, is the Army Birthday (bet you didn't even realize that) and most people don't know or care because why should they? The only thing I know about Army birthday's are mandatory formations and "moral runs." Do better Army!

I love the Army. I love history. I love parties. I like looking fancy from time to time. WTH Army?!

Why can't we have a fun birthday? Why don't we already? If anyone has any good "Army Birthday Memories" please share them because I've never heard one.

Response by SSG Michael Noll made Jun 13 at 2024 12:01 PM

SSG Michael Noll — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 12:01:55 -0400

Brother Carlos, I have thought the exact same thing. Gtg with other vets and the Marine Corps ball does get mentioned quite a bit. We need a celebration as well IMHO

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Jun 13 at 2024 12:49 PM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 12:49:37 -0400

For the same reason Alabama doesn't storm the field when they beat the University of Louisiana - Monroe.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2024 1:41 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 13:41:58 -0400

Because the Marine Corps was started in a bar. You don't forget that.

I was career Air Force. I can't tell you when our birthday is.

Response by Cpl Vic Burk made Jun 13 at 2024 6:15 PM

Cpl Vic Burk — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 18:15:48 -0400

SSG Carlos Madden Espirit de Corps is ingrained in every Marine Corps Recruit from day one. There's something special about earning the title, "United States Marine." By the way, I do know the birthdays of the other branches (except Space Force) even though I never served in any of them!

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Jun 13 at 2024 8:43 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 20:43:45 -0400

SSG Carlos Madden Other than my retirement function, the last Dress Blue Military Function I attended was an ARMY Birthday party as a guest of the 7th ID CSM at Fort Ord in 1981.

Response by SGT Aaron Atwood made Jun 13 at 2024 10:02 PM

SGT Aaron Atwood — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 22:02:02 -0400

I'm about to make a hella birthday memory. My brass quintet is taking part in a battle streamer ceremony tomorrow, and the musical themes for each streamer were of my doing and thought process.

I also bought a chocolate cake and a cheesecake for the musicians tomorrow because that could end up being their only birthday celebration. I may be paid by the Army, but I'll be damned if I don't have my fellow Soldiers kind of celebrate our birthday like the Marines do!

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2024 3:07 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Jun 2024 03:07:18 -0400

I have never heard of such a thing as the Army birthday NOT being a big deal. Perhaps it depends on how HOOAH your unit is compared to other branches.

I think also the fact that Flag Day is the same day as the Army birthday adds to the festivities.

I can tell you when I was active duty, at my last duty station of Fort Ord California, at 7th ID (Light), it was a big deal. Our CG always assigned a four day pass/pay day for the event.

While stationed in Europe, my platoon happened to always be on duty for the birthday, but we all had a cake, sang happy birthday, and toasted with coffee or sodas by the command staff utilizing minimum manning for 30 minutes.

My family has had birthday cake every year since I joined the Army and even after ETS. In fact, that is how I learned the tradition of Dress Blues, bow ties in Army Green class A uniform, and that after retreat, headgear was not required when attending a formal event. The Army Ball was great and the second tradition I learned after Memorial Day in basic training.
The cake cutting tradition, toasts, etc.

It is indeed regrettable if you have never experienced the plethora of events that usually occur on post, within major commands celebrating the Army Birthday. We always had mandatory fun day, family day, static displays, DIVARTY salutes, concerts or live music, and the Army Ball. Usually fireworks as well.

Response by SSG Roger Ayscue made Jun 17 at 2024 3:38 PM

SSG Roger Ayscue — Mon, 17 Jun 2024 15:38:38 -0400

Because the Soldiers of today might get offended by the army flag during pride month.

Face it. In the Army you have terms like "Battle Buddy" instead of Spotter or wingman... It sounds like a Pre-school GI Joe..."Battle Buddy" it sounds asinine.

Marines have a standard and Young Marines don't stay Marines long if they Whine Cry or snivel about them.

In the Army Paratroopers in AIRBORNE units and RANGERS in Ranger units are close to the feeling of US Marines. The finest Infantry soldiers in the world are found in the Marines. They want to celebrate the unity in being a Marine while Soldiers want to celebrate diversity and individuality.